Posts tagged ‘Chicago Bulls’

Only three games in, and the D-League-ian principals behind the Bulls starting rotation are beginning to drive me crazy.  Thabo Sefolosha looks terrible.  Based on his appalling play during the preseason, one would expect to see Thabo sitting far down the bench donning some unfortunate suit.  How did this guy get an upgrade to starter?

A Bulls fan would hope that young Thabo might take advantage this opportunity and prove his doubters wrong.  Unfortunately, 4.5 points per game isn’t going to sway many voters.

The rationalization most often provided for this irrational decision is “player development.”  Are the Bulls gearing up for a show down with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants?  Must the team develop their players on National television versus the defending champs?  It’s embarrassing!  Shouldn’t they take care of player development during training camp, practice, or, if all else fails, in the Development League?

The most effective way for the Bulls to improve their players would be to create a competitive environment.  It should be reinforced that playing time is a scarce commodity and everyone must compete for their share of the minutes.  Thabo certainly hasn’t earned his.

Rewarding poor play with a coveted starting spot is a very dangerous precedent to set.  After all, just remember, unless he succumbs to a Tanya Harding-like assault (fingers-crossed), Larry Hughes is expected to return from injury in only a week or so . . .